Well, it's been awhile since I've blogged, but here we go...

Lots of stuff coming up for the summer!  Don't forget summer camp is on for the last 2 weeks in July (the 20th-31st)!  Anyone who attends BOTH weeks of summer camp will be able to test for a new belt on Friday, July 31st (some exceptions may apply for some of the more advanced belts, but 2 weeks of straight training will get you a whole heckuva lot closer to testing!)

Also, Parent's Night Out is coming up soon:  this Saturday, April 25th from 6:30-11pm here at BOOM! Just $30 for the whole night, and that includes pizza, a movie, and some spectacular ninja turtle training!  Don't miss out!

Yes, finally, what you're all really here for:  click on the PDF below for a copy of the new schedule - or, at least, the latest draft.  This way, I can have a class for beginners AND advanced kids everyday - except Mondays and Saturdays.  For the purposes of class sizes, the Beginning class is for white belts, yellow belts, and beginning orange belts.  The Advanced class is everyone else!  Please give me some feedback on this, and we should be able to implement it in the next few weeks!  Yee-haw!

Thanks, everyone, hopefully this keeps as many people happy as possible!  Also, until further notice, all classes will still meet at the old times!  

Mr Moench

Well, the weather's heating up, and you know what that means:  school's coming to an end, BOOM! is gonna have some choices to make in Sudden Valley, and Camp BOOM is a-coming!  First off, let's get the homework up for April (Responsibility) and May (Focus).  Sorry the April stuff is a bit late getting up here, but you know how it goes...

Don't forget that THIS Friday, May 16th is the Jr Ski 2 Sea Parade!  The parade starts at 6:00, but Mr Moench will be there a little after 4:00 to line up early, so look for BOOM! there!  If you wanna be in the parade with BOOM! wear your uniform and belt (and shoes!) and karate your way through downtown Bellingham!

The next day (Saturday the 17th) will be Parent's Night Out:  Spaceship Wars!  Parents can drop off their kids at BOOM! from 6:30-11:00 for a night of epic space battles!  Just $30 for one BOOM student and their friend includes pizza and a movie!

Regular class for BOOM! is on for Memorial Day (Monday, May 26th) in Sudden Valley - see you there!  Speaking of Sudden Valley...

As of now, BOOM! will no longer be allowed to conduct classes in Sudden Valley in the Dance Barn, Adult Center, or any other place operated by the Sudden Valley Community Association.  We're currently trying to find some space to hold classes for families in Sudden Valley (but if you're familiar with the Valley, you know it's slim pickings...), and this is what we've got so far:

Waldorf  Hills School Auditorium (on Austin St, on the way to S.V., past the Geneva Firehouse)

The Firs (just past Geneva Elementary School)

Geneva Elementary School Gymnasium - this may only be a possibility during the school year

Lakewood (owned by WWU, about 1/2 mile before Gate 3 on Lake Whatcom Blvd)

Right now, it *might* work to rent Lakewood during the summer, and then use the Geneva gym during the school year.  I know this is a  bummer for the families in Glenhaven, but nothing's finalized yet.  However, nothing located in Sudden Valley has panned out...

Also, there's only a few more Summer Camp spots available!  Camp this year is July 21st through August 1st, and will be held at the Bellingham BOOM!  Camp is just $299 for both weeks, and any campers who complete both weeks will be eligible to test for a new belt at the end of the 2nd week (some exceptions apply) - trust me - you'll earn it!!  

I think that about wraps it up; if you've got any ideas about spaces in Sudden Valley for classes, please don't hesitate to talk to Mr Moench!  Thank you, and enjoy the sun (cuz you know it won't last...)

Respectfully

Mr Moench

Well, March is coming to a close, and, as always, there's a lot of exciting stuff happening here at BOOM!

First off, belt testing and graduation is coming up on Saturday, March 29th.  Li'l Dragons will belt test in class this week, and everyone who passes will get their belts at the Li'l Dragons graduation on Saturday, March 29th @ 3:00 at the Bellingham BOOM!

Yellow thru Advanced Purple Belts will test @ 4:00

Beginning Blue through Advanced Green @ 5:30

Beginning Brown and Above:  7:00

Good luck to everyone on belt testing!

The week after belt testing is Spring Break for Bellingham Schools!  It's also Buddy Week at BOOM! March 31st-April 5th all BOOM! students can bring their friends to class to experience some BOOMtastic awesome-ness for themselves!  It's gonna be a great week of karate games:  War Ball, Karate Ball, Knights v. Gladiators, and much, much more!!  Don't miss out (and, more importantly, don't let your friends miss out)!

Summer Camp dates are out:  July 21st thru August 1st Camp BOOM! will be back on!  Still not sure if it's gonna be in Sudden Valley or in Bellingham, but will definitely let you know as soon as possible!  Don't forget:  anyone who attends/survives (!?) both weeks of summer camp will be able to test for their next belt on that Friday, August 1st!

Finally, here's the Honesty homework from March; make sure you hand it in before the belt test!  Good luck, everyone!

Respectfully

Mr Moench

Well, considering it was 15 degrees a week ago, the weather's not so bad now....  With the calendar turning over to 2014, it's time to start planning out the year.  Yay!

First off, coming up on Monday February 17th BOOM! is gonna be hosting a President's Day Camp.  That day we'll be having a ton of fun playing awesome karate games!  War Ball, Knights v Gladiators, Defeat the Evil Warlord, and much, much more!  The Camp runs from 9am to 4pm at the Bellingham BOOM!, and is only $50 for the whole day!  Note:  on this day ONLY, all classes will meet at the Bellingham BOOM! instead of Sudden Valley.  Don't worry, though.  Classes are back in the Valley on Wednesday the 19th!

Also, BOOM! will be closed on Saturday, February 22nd - Mr Moench is headed down to Port Orchard for training with his instructor, Mr Graves.  Also, on Friday the 21st there will be NO Teens or Adult Kenpo classes that night!

Belt Testing for Spring will be the last Saturday in March, the 29th.  We'll start things off with the Li'l Dragons belt graduation ceremony at 2:00 at the Bellingham BOOM! (Li'l Dragons will belt test in class that week).  Anyone testing for Yellow Belt through Advanced Purple Belt will test at 3:00, Beginning Blue through Advanced Green at 5:00, and Beginning Brown and above at 7:00!  Intent to Test forms will be handed out in class the first week in March, and must be filled out by the parents and teachers, and returned to BOOM! with the $10 belt fee before the test!

Also, during Spring Break (March 31st - April 4th) BOOM! will be holding our annual Spring Break Camp!  The camp will meet at the Bellingham BOOM! from 9am to 4pm every day (during this week all classes will meet at the Bellingham BOOM!)  Once again, this camp will be SPAR WARS:  Episode 2:  Attack of the Kicks!  We'll be focusing on kicks and kick combos for sparring!  We'll be holding tournaments every day, culminating in the Grand Championship Tourney on Friday, April 4th!  Trophies and prizes are on the line!  Don't miss out on this awesome event!

Finally, Summer Camp Dates are out!  July 21st - August 1st Camp BOOM! is on!  Anyone who completes (survives!) both weeks of summer camp will be able to test for their new belt on Friday, August 1st!  

Last, here' s the homework for January (DECISION-MAKING) and February (LEADERSHIP).  Enjoy!

Mr Moench

The holidays are fast approaching, and there are a lot of exciting things happening at BOOM!

Don't miss out on Pirate's Night Out on Saturday,  November 23rd from 6:30-11pm!  Just $30 for a BOOMstudent and their friend!  Don't miss out on all the swashbuckling action - treasure hunts, games, pirate tales, and all the fun you can handle!  Sign up at the front counter today!

Also, on Friday, November 28th is our Day-After-Thanksgiving Day Camp!  From 8am-4pm at the Bellingham BOOM! don't miss out on this crazy awesome day of fantastic martial arts!  Just $65 for the whole day!

The action doesn't slow down in December, either!  On Saturday, December 7th, come check out BOOM! at the Sudden Valley Holiday Bazaar!  The bazaar runs from 10am-4pm, and we'll be up on stage for a demo during the event!

Also, if you're looking for some great activities for the kids during the holidays, we've got a Sudden Valley Day Camp on Monday, December 23rd from 9am-4pm - just $65 for the whole day of BOOMtastic awesomeness!

Finally (almost!) don't miss out on BOOM!'s Second Annual Forms Camp from Monday, December 30th to Friday January 3rd!  Take your knowledge of your forms to the next level (sorry about that), learn how to create your own form, then, well, make your own forms!  Camp starts at 9am each day at the Bellingham BOOM!, and runs until 4:00 each day.  Just $199 for the whole week - don't miss out; sign up today!!

Still almost finally, BOOM! will be closed on the following days:  Saturday, November 16th

 Thursday, November 28th (for Thanksgiving)

 Saturday, December 14th (Mr Moench is heading to Port Orchard to train with Mr Graves!)

Finally finally, here's the November homework for the Li'l Dragons, Kids, and Teens.  Enjoy!

Mr Moench

Well, snap, October's almost gone.  A lot of you guys have come pretty far in the one month since you belt tested.  Most impressive!  

Don't forget:  next week is Halloween, and all students can wear their costumes to class ALL WEEK LONG (sidebar:  BOOM! will be closed on Thursday October 31st.  Mr Moench has been volunteering at the Sudden Valley Halloween Carnival for a few years now.  If anyone cares to stop by, it's in the Dance Barn from 6-8.  There's lots of really fun games, lots and lots of candy, prizes, contests, and a general awesome party!  That was a long sidebar.)

On Sunday, November 3rd, some BOOM! students will be performing a demo at Bellis Fair Mall.  The demo starts at 1:00, and is in what they call "Center Court" (in front of Hollister and Aeropostale).  Come check us out there!  It should be awesome!

For the LAST TIME, BOOM! will be closed on Friday, November 8th, and Saturday, November 9th, while Mr Moench is in Port Orchard for his belt test!  *gulp!* (BOOM! will still be closed on the occasional Saturday, while Mr Moench continues his training, but not Fridays, and not as much!)

**IMPORTANT**

After Friday the 8th, the regular classes on Friday will move to the Bellingham BOOM!  The first Friday class in Bellingham will be November 15th.  The times for the classes will also change:

Kids:  5:00-5:50

Li'l Dragons:  6:00-6:40

Teens:  7:00-8:00

Adult Kenpo:  8:00-9:00

That's right!  We're adding in an evening Kenpo class for adults!  Don't miss this chance to begin your exploration of this amazing art!  Come try the adult kenpo class for free for two classes to see what it truly has to offer.

But wait, there's more!  On Saturday, November 23rd, BOOM! will be hosting a very special Parent's Night Out:  Pirate's Night Out!  From 6:30-11pm at the Bellingham BOOM! the kids will pillage, plunder, and generally swashbuckle the night away!  Buried treasure, pirate tales, and everyone who attends gets to design their own pirate flag.  More fun, games, and activities (and food!) all night!  Just $30 for one BOOM! student AND a buddy!  Sign up at the front counter for what is always been a lot of fun for just $30!

On Black Friday (November 28th, BOOM! will be hosting a karate day camp!  Drop off the kids, for just $65 for the day, get your shopping done, and your martial artists will have a blast as we work our techniques in some really awesome and unique ways!  Camp starts at 8am and runs till 4pm.  Campers will need to bring a lunch, a water bottle, and a snack (cuz they'll be working up an appetite!) Don't miss out on this fun AND informative camp!  Sign up at the front counter!

Also, speaking of Thanksgiving, BOOM! will be closed on Thursday, November 27th.  Regular classes will resume on Friday, November 28th (cuz, c'mon, we're not Macy's...)

Lastly, the CURIOSITY Homework.  If anyone still needs it, make sure you get it turned in ASAP!

Train hard, and I'll see you in class!

Mr Moench

As the sunshine fades and the rain returns, cheer up!  There's some great stuff in store at BOOM! during the rainy months ahead!

First off, BELT TESTING IS THIS WEEK!  Li'l Dragons will test in-class during the week, while the Kids and Teens will use the week to prepare for the test on Saturday the 28th!  Don't forget to hand in your Intent to Test (along with the belt fee) if you haven't already!  In case you don't already have it, here is the schedule for belt testing on Saturday:

Li'l Dragons Graduation Ceremony:  3:00

Testing for Yellow Belt thru Adv Orange Belt:  4:00

Testing for Beg. Purple Belt thru Adv. Blue Belt:  5:30

Testing for Beg. Green Belt and Above:  7:00

Again, your testing time is by the belt you are testing for, NOT THE BELT YOU CURRENTLY HAVE.  If you have any questions, please let Mr Moench know.

The week after Belt Testing will be a very special BullyProof Buddy Week!  This week, classes are open to the community, so bring your friends, and don't miss out on what will surely be a spectacular week of very special martial arts training; September 30th (Monday) thru October 5th (Saturday).

Speaking of Saturdays; BOOM! will be open for at least the next two Saturdays in a row (the 28th and the 5th) before Mr Moench heads back down to Port Orchard to train with Mr Graves again!

Finally, here's the BULLYPROOF Homework for those of you who haven't handed it in yet!  Don't forget:  ALL your homework MUST be handed in before you can test for your belt!

Thank you, and good luck on your test, everyone!

Respectfully

Mr Moench

As summer winds down, and school starts back up (don't think about it, kids!), we've got some pretty cool stuff going down at BOOM!  Our annual end-of-summer party is happening on Saturday, August 24th, from 6:30-11pm at the Bellingham BOOM!  We're gonna play some War Ball, have some delicious BBQ, and party down all night!  Just $30 for the night includes food, a movie, and a friend as well!  So sign up today!

BOOM is gonna be close one more weekend in August - the 30th and the 31st, while Mr Moench is training in Port Orchard with Mr Graves!

Starting next week, we're gonna begin a back-t0-school referral drive!  Parents, if you know anyone who may benefit from training here at BOOM!, and you refer them to BOOM, AND they sign up, we're gonna have some awesome prizes for you!  Official BOOM! merchandise, awesome martial arts gear, and much, much more!  Anyone who wishes to participate in the referral program can get the forms and stuff for it next week in class!

And, finally, here's the CITIZENSHIP homework for August.  It's due, guys!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!  

Mr Moench

Well, it's hard to believe, but summer's about ready to wrap up....  The back-to-school sales are starting, but at least the weather is still nice!

The BOOM! Homework Challenge is officially on!  Turn in your homework every month ON TIME for a year, and you get a trip to the waterslides!  That being said, here is the homework for July:  TEAMWORK.  If anyone missed it:

Mr Moench

There's a lot of stuff coming up in the next couple of months at BOOM!, be sure not to miss out on all the summer BOOM-ness!

First off, BOOM! will be closed this coming Saturday, June 22nd, as Mr Moench travels down to Port Orchard to train with Mr Graves.  BOOM! will also be closed on Thursday, July 4th for Independence Day!

Li'l Dragons will belt test in-class starting next Monday, June 24th.  Regular classes will run on Saturday, the 29th, with belt testing for Kids and Teens that afternoon starting at 5:00 in the Sudden Valley Dance Barn.  Graduation for ALL Li'l Dragons, Kids and Teens (who pass their test - mwhahahahahaha!) will follow in the Dance Barn at 7:30.  Parents and family members are more than welcome to attend both testing and graduation for the students!  Get ready guys, it's comin' up quick!  If you have any questions about ANYTHING that your testing for, please tell Mr Moench, so he can help you out!

The week AFTER the 4th of July will be Buddy Week! Starting  Monday, July 8th, students at BOOM! can bring their buddies to class to come experience the awesomeness of BOOM! for themselves!  We have a special lesson planned for Buddy Week (as always), so don't miss out!

The Saturday of Buddy Week, July 13th, will be BOOM!'s BBQ / Squirt Gun Wars!  This year, the picnic will be held at Fairhaven Park on Chuckanut Dr (here's a map) at the lower area, by the playground.  Kids should bring a squirtgun and wear a swimsuit (or have one they can change into!)  BOOM! will provide the hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as buns, condiments, etc.  There will be a sign-up sheet for anyone else who wants to bring side dishes, chips, drinks, etc.  The BBQ will start at 12:30, so there will be no regular classes on that day.

Summer Camp still has three spots available!  If anyone is interested, please talk to Mr Moench!  Summer Camp is July 22nd-August 2nd in Sudden Valley, and anyone who completes both weeks will be eligible to test for a new belt on Friday, August 2nd!

Finally, here is the COMPASSION homework for June.  Please make sure you hand it in BEFORE belt testing, or you're gonna be very disappointed on belt testing day... :o)

Mr Moench